DES 131: Logo Design I
Because first impressions last
Logos are the front line—the identity of a company. They are ubiquitous, and they are vital. In this introductory online logo design course, you'll learn how to design logos that will strengthen the visual image of your own or your client's company. Working with a design pro, you'll explore the development of logos through a series of case studies. Each exercise combines a written, conceptual component with hands-on projects for creating an effective logo.
Student work by Deborah Sylva. Visit the Student Gallery.
About This Course
Project-Based Learning
Using established methodology, you will develop a logo design from concept to expansion to finalization, exploring type and symbolic options.
What Skills Will I Develop?
Students in this course can expect to learn to:
- Examine the origins of logo design, including the original purpose of logos in conveying ownership, origin, and social rank or status.
- Manage the three stages of a professional logo design process.
- Explore the research stage of a logo design: communicating with clients, pricing, researching competitors, and researching typography.
- Research and critique logo designs in a specific business area.
- Create type-only logos based on researched typography.
- Brainstorm and write up concepts for logos.
- Develop preliminary logo design concepts.
- Analyze and critique the strengths and weaknesses of different logos.
- Recognize the importance of simplicity, shape, and positive/negative space in logo design.
- Present an informed commentary explaining why a logo design is effective or ineffective.
- Interpret or write design rules for the usage of a logo.
What Software and Supplies Do I Need?
To take this course you'll need:
- Computer with Internet connection.
- Adobe Illustrator or Adobe Photoshop.
- Basic experience in the above software.
Course Instructor(s)
The course is taught by the following instructor(s):
Dr. Tamara Pavlock
is a designer dedicated to inspiring learning, art and creative thinking, and student success.Course Outline
The Research Stage
This course will open with a brief history of logo types, looking at some of the historical influences on logo design. Then we'll move on to a discussion of research, and the important role it plays in logo design. You'll begin to explore our course case study, a real project with some interesting twists.
The Design Stage
This week, we will explore both what you need to think about as a logo designer and what tools you'll need. You'll gain a sense of what the necessary aspects of a logo are, by examining the strengths and weaknesses of sample logos. Part two of the case study moves by example through the design process, illustrating many of the points discussed in the lesson.
The Finalization Stage
Fine-tuning and the manipulation of positive and negative space makes up the majority of this final lecture. We also discuss how aspects of logo design make for strong brand recognition, and how to make a brand manual containing rules for logo usage. The case study takes an interesting turn, proving that each project is unique.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How Do The Courses Work?
Our courses are project-based and instructor-led. In each course you’ll complete a series of lectures, projects, discussions, and critiques designed to stretch your creative skills. Weekly assignment deadlines keep you on track, and with no set-logins or Zoom meetings, you can build your studies around your schedule.
Who Are The Instructors?
Our courses are developed and taught by our industry-leading faculty of creative professionals. This means that you’ll learn in-demand skills, get feedback on your work, and build a portfolio of creative work. View our Student Gallery for featured student projects.
When Can I Start?
Classes start January, April, and August, and this course can be completed as part of a 15-week term in 8 weeks. College credit from this course can be applied to a range of degree and certificate programs at Sessions College.
How Do I Register?
To register for a program, complete our program application. To register for this course on an individual basis, please contact our admissions team at admissions@sessions.edu. An Admissions Advisor will contact you to setup your enrollment.
| Course Tuition and Fees | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $510/credit |
| Registration Fee* | $200 |
| Total Course Price | $965 |
Registration fees are nonrefundable after 5 days from enrollment.
Is Sessions College accredited?
Yes. Since 2001, Sessions College has been accredited by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The Distance Education Accrediting Commission is listed by the U.S. Department of Education as a recognized accrediting agency and is recognized by the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).